The most famous interviewer in wrestling history WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund has died, aged 76

Nicknamed 'Mean Gene', the legendary microphone king from Sisseton, South Dakota appeared alongside the industry's greatest stars.

He was forever immortalised by his work with Hulk Hogan, who would often begin interviews by saying: "Well let me tell you something Mean Gene..."The former radio DJ even wrestled on occasion - famously pinning Mr.

Fuji in a tag team match with former world champion Hogan in 1984.He served as the best man at The Iron Sheik's wedding and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by The Hulkster

Hogan was among many names to pay tribute to the star today, tweeting: "Mean Gene I love you my brother."

Gene Okerlund has sadly passed away (Image: Getty Images)

It is not yet clear how he died, but Okerlund had health problems dating back many years and underwent two kidney transplants, the first in 1995 and the second in 2004, one of which he received from his wife Jeanne.

Married since 1964, they had two children, including his son Todd, who starred in the United States 1988 Olympics ice hockey team.

Okerlund made his last appearance on WWE TV when he interviewed AJ Styles on the 25th anniversary episode of Raw on January 22 last year.

In a statement on its website, WWE said: "In his early days, 'Mean Gene', as he was named by fellow Minnesotan, Jesse 'The Body' Ventura first came to prominence by interviewing the greatest stars of the AWA, including Ventura, Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan and Hulk Hogan.

Okerlund during a WCW broadcast back in 1998

"In 1984, Okerlund made the move to WWE where he became a staple on national cable television by continuing to interview the biggest names in sports-entertainment like Hogan, 'Macho Man' Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior and many more.

"Okerlund branched out from interviewing by providing ringside commentary and hosting several shows, including All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge and Prime Time Wrestling.

"Announcing wasn’t all that Okerlund could do with a microphone, as his distinct voice sung the National Anthem at the first WrestleMania in 1985. Later that year, Okerlund would sing 'Tutti Frutti' on WWE’s The Wrestling Album.

"In 1993, Okerlund joined WCW as lead interviewer where he continued to interview many of the legends he had worked with in the AWA and WWE as well as WCW stalwarts, Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, Goldberg and others.

"In 2001, Okerlund returned to WWE to call the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 along with Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan and continued to appear on WWE television programming, including being a cast member on WWE Network’s Legends’ House.

"WWE extends its condolences to Okerlund’s family, friends and fans."

WWE top brass Triple H posted: "A voice and sound track to an entire era of our industry. He was the star of some of @WWE’s most memorable segments. 'Mean Gene' was beloved by all who got to work with him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Tag team star Big E of The New Day tweeted: "Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family."